Billingham’s new £2.7 million Library and Customer Service Centre has won a prestigious design award.
The new building, which opened in January 2015, won the Best New Public Building at the Local Authority Building Control’s (LABC) Northern Regional Awards.
Designed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and built by Stockton-based company Interserve Construction, the state-of-the-art facility sits on the site of the town’s former Art Gallery and council offices.
It acts as a ‘one-stop shop’ with new and improved library facilities including the latest in self-service technology, improved ICT and reference facilities combined with customer services for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Thirteen housing group. It also houses a cash office and Billingham Town Council’s headquarters under one roof.
Judges commended the project for the use of new technology, sustainable products and for creating a building which complemented the ongoing regeneration of Billingham town centre.
Councillor David Rose, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “The judges were impressed with Billingham’s Library and Customer Service Centre which is an attractive, modern facility offering residents a host of first- class services under one roof.
“We take great pride in ensuring our new buildings not only look good but are built to the highest standards.”